Bharatpur: The families of passengers missing after two buses plunged into the Trishuli river in Chitwan have demanded more effective search operations. They have urged the authorities to deploy all necessary technology and tools to locate their loved ones.

The accident occurred early Friday morning at Simaltal in Bharatpur metropolis-29, where landslides swept away two passenger buses: one (03-001 Kha. 2495) heading to Gaur from Kathmandu and another (03-006 Kha. 1516) going to Kathmandu from Birgunj. The bus to Gaur had 27 passengers, while the Birgunj bus carried 24. Three individuals survived by swimming to safety.

Vikesh Kumar Patel from Gaur, Rautahat, whose grandfather was on one of the buses, expressed the collective grief and urgency felt by the families. Similarly, Ramesh Kumar Patel, also from Rautahat, traveled to Chitwan in hopes of finding his cousin, reserving an ambulance despite fading hope. He voiced a sentiment shared by many, saying, "If we could only find his body, we would return home. There is no other hope."

Binod Prasad Jaiswal, chairperson of Parasouni Rural Municipality in Bara, criticized the delay in search efforts, noting that state resources are often fully mobilized for helicopter and aircraft accidents but not for bus accidents. He called for the authorities to utilize all state mechanisms to find the missing.

Chief District Officer of Chitwan, Indradev Yadav, assured that trained teams from the Nepal Army, Armed Police, and Nepal Police had been deployed throughout the day on Friday. However, the strong current and high water flow forced the suspension of the search on Friday night. The search resumed early this morning.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Bheshraj Rijal stated that the search, involving deep divers and other personnel, was paused Friday evening due to high water currents and poor visibility. Chief District Officer Indradev Yadav confirmed that the search operations restarted at 8 am, with efforts focused on all possible locations.

The community is united in their call for a comprehensive and efficient search, hoping for closure amidst the tragedy.